GB2622354A

GB2622354A - Electric vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2622354A
Application number: GB2211381.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: K Timms Brian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-08-04
Filing date: 2022-08-04
Publication date: 2024-03-20
Also published as: GB202211381D0

Abstract

A power generation system 10 for a vehicle having an electric motor 20 and a battery 18, wherein the system comprises an air compressor 12, at least one storage reservoir 14 for compressed air, and an alternator 16 in air flow communication with each other by an air flow path 22. The air compressor is mechanically coupled to a driveshaft such that deceleration or braking of the vehicle generates a force to the compressor which compresses air. The compressed air is directed out of the compressor to the storage reservoir or to the alternator in air flow communication with the compressor through the air flow path. The release of compressed air from the storage reservoir to the alternator is controlled (e.g., via opening/closing a valve at an outlet of the reservoir) wherein, upon introduction of compressed air, the alternator generates electrical power for charging the battery during power generation. The air compressor, storage reservoir(s) and alternator may be connected in air flow communication with each other in sequence. A control unit may control the supply of electrical power to the battery when a sensor detects the charge of the battery is insufficient.

Description

ELECTRIC VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

S The present invention relates to electric vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pure electric vehicles powered by rechargeable batteries as the sole fuel source have the advantage that they do not emit the undesirable pollutants of petrol-and diesel-fueled engines. However, pure electric vehicles have limited range, and require substantial time for battery recharging when the vehicle must be connected to an external power source.

In a hybrid electric vehicle, a fuel generator is added on the basic structure of the pure electric vehicle in order to extend the range of a battery electric vehicle by driving an electric generator that charges the vehicle's battery. However, the hybrid electric vehicle requires non-renewable fuel that is expensive and causes pollution to the environment.

There remains a need, therefore, for an electric vehicle that has an enhanced range yet eliminates the requirement for combustion of fossil fuel and so remains environmentally and economically friendly to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In first aspect, the invention provides a power generation system for a vehicle comprising an electric motor and a battery, the system comprising: an air compressor, at least one storage reservoir for compressed air, and an alternator, connected together in air flow communication with each other by an air flow path, wherein the air compressor is mechanically coupled to a driveshaft such that deceleration or braking of the vehicle generates a force to the compressor which force compresses air in the compressor, and wherein compressed air is directed out of the compressor to the storage reservoir or to the alternator in air flow communication with the compressor through the air flow path, and means to control the release of compressed air from the storage reservoir to the alternator in air flow communication therewith through the air flow path, wherein the alternator is adapted to generate electrical power upon introduction of compressed air for charging the battery during power generation.

In one embodiment, the air compressor, the at least one storage reservoir and the alternator are connected in air flow communication with each other in sequence.

Accordingly, the present invention uses on-board compressed air to produce motive power.

The energy of the compressed air is converted to kinetic energy which in turn drives the alternator to generate electrical power for charging the battery. Thus, the vehicle's kinetic energy that would otherwise have been dissipated/wasted can be converted back to electrical energy during braking, that is, deceleration or downhill running and the converted electrical energy is stored in the battery to extend the driving range.

The pressurized air storage reservoir is preferably provided with a corresponding switch valve and under the control of the switch valve the stored compressed air is fed to the alternator. The alternator is electrically connected to the battery and charges the battery with the generated electrical energy.

A control unit is provided for controlling electric power provided to the battery according to demand. The control unit can select between flow paths in accordance with various operating parameters and a predefined set of instructions. In this regard, it will be appreciated that a number of sensors are provided throughout the system in order to measure a number of operational variables and to regulate the flow of air, as required. The sensors sense motor power, the use of the vehicle brakes, motor speed, compressor speed, the charge of the storage reservoir, and the charge of the battery, amongst other variables.

The sensor readings are fed to the control unit which comprises a processor and the system control is implemented using algorithms and control logic, which may prioritize the demands placed upon the motor by a driver, followed by maintenance of optimum operational efficiency. For example, if the battery is insufficiently charged to power the motor, air power is drawn from the storage reservoir. When the control unit senses that power is not required instantaneously by the battery, compressed air is fed to the storage reservoir and the valve is closed. During rapid acceleration, the battery may require recharging and so the control unit supplements the battery power with energy from the storage reservoir and causes the valve to open.

The processor typically comprises a dedicated central processing unit (CPU), which is programmed to control the operation of the system in accordance with the received sensor readings and a control philosophy. Communication between the dedicated CPU and the standard vehicle operating system is possible by way of a low level serial interface component.

Information to the driver will include an analog indication of the compressed air remaining available for motor power.

The compressed air storage reservoir may take any form such as on-board tanks shaped to fit any automotive body cavity. Preferably, the on-board tanks are small removable and replaceable cylinders that may be conveniently handled and replaced by an automobile driver or a recharge station attendant. In this way, tanks storing compressed air can be used later or for powering other devices. The system according to the present invention may include two or more storage tanks.

The valve that controls release of compressed air from the storage reservoir to the alternator may be provided at an air outlet of the storage reservoir and may be opened or closed under the control of the control unit according to demand.

The compressor is in air communication with ambient environment through a first opening and in air communication with the air flow path through a second opening. Upon deceleration of the rotation of the vehicle wheel, air is directed into the compressor through the first opening upon displacement of air from the compressor S into the air flow path through the second opening.

The air compressor is mechanically coupled to the driving shaft of the wheel whereby the shaft of the air compressor is cooperatively connected. Under braking, the air compressor is powered from the driven shaft and pumps air to the alternator, optionally via the pressurized air storage reservoir, which converts the kinetic energy to electrical energy to charge the battery. The compressed air is stored in the storage reservoir until required to charge the battery. Battery recharging may be required during a journey to extend the range of the vehicle or at the end of a journey when the vehicle is at rest, such as overnight.

When air is compressed, moisture may be trapped and condense. Preferably, therefore, an air drier or dehumidifier is included in the compressed air line to remove water and water vapor from the compressed air.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle, comprising: a battery and an electric motor connected together, the vehicle further comprising an air compressor, at least one storage reservoir for compressed air, and an alternator, connected together in air flow communication with each other by an air flow path, wherein the air compressor is mechanically coupled to a driveshaft such that deceleration or braking of the vehicle generates a force to the compressor which force compresses air in the compressor, and wherein compressed air is directed out of the compressor to the storage reservoir or to the alternator in air flow communication with the compressor through the air flow path, and means to control the release of compressed air from the storage reservoir to the alternator in air flow communication therewith through the air flow path, wherein the alternator is adapted to generate electrical power upon introduction of compressed air for charging the battery during power generation.

The compressor may be mechanically coupled to the vehicle driveshaft and adapted to compress air when the accelerator of the vehicle is released, or when the brakes of the vehicle are applied. Thus, when the vehicle is in deceleration or braking mode, air is compressed in the compressor and fed from the compressor to the storage reservoir.

The vehicle may be an automobile. The battery of the vehicle may comprise at least one array of lithium-ion batteries or one or more conventional 12 Volt batteries, or both. In addition to an automobile, the vehicle may be a bus, truck, train, heavy construction and earth moving equipment, or all kinds of watercraft.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for generating power to an electric motor of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a battery electrically coupled to the electric motor, the method comprising: providing a power generation system, comprising an air compressor, at least one compressed air storage reservoir, and an alternator, connected together in air flow communication with each other by an air flow path, wherein the air compressor is mechanically coupled to a driveshaft; generating a force to the compressor by deceleration or braking of the vehicle which force compresses air in the compressor; feeding compressed air displaced from the compressor to the alternator; whereby upon flow of compressed air to the alternator electrical power is generated by the alternator to charge the battery for providing power to the motor.

Preferably, the air compressor, at least one storage reservoir, and alternator are connected together in sequence. In this way, the method comprises feeding compressed air displaced from the compressor to the storage reservoir in air flow communication with the compressor through the air flow path, and directing compressed air from the storage reservoir to the alternator according to demand.

S The compressed air may be directed to the alternator under the control of a control unit. The control unit may operate to close a valve on the air flow path between the storage reservoir and the alternator so that compressed air is stored for later use or to open the valve so that compressed is fed to the alternator to charge the battery, for example when the motor is turned off.

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall apply throughout the specification and the appended claims.

Within the present specification, the term "electric vehicle" is a vehicle that uses an electric motor for propulsion.

Within the present specification, the term "motor" refers to a device that transfers energy from a power source into rotational mechanical energy.

Within the present specification, the term "alternator" is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The alternator may comprise a compressed air motor within its structure.

The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Within the context of the present specification, the term "comprises" is taken to mean "includes" or "contains", i.e. other integers or features may be present, whereas the term "consists or is taken to mean "consists exclusively or.

Within the present specification, the term "about" means plus or minus 200/0; more preferably plus or minus 10%; even more preferably plus or minus 5%; most preferably plus or minus 2%.

S Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: the single figure shows a flow diagram for one embodiment of a power generation system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The figure represents a simplified power generating system (10) for use with an electric vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system (10) comprises an air compressor (12), a pressurized air storage tank (14) and an alternator (16) connected together in air flow communication with each other in sequence by an air flow path (22). The air compressor (12) is also in direct air flow communication with the alternator (16) by air flow path (23).

The power generating system (10) is for use in a vehicle comprising a battery (18) electrically connected to an electric motor (20). The alternator (16) is electrically connected to the battery (18) which, in turn, supplies electrical power to the electric motor (20). The electric motor (20) is arranged to drive the air compressor (12) via the vehicle driveshaft. Mechanical energy from the driveshaft powers the air compressor (12), which, in turn, is operable to provide and maintain the air pressure of the storage tank (14). The air compressor (12) is a screw-type compressor and air is drawn into the compressor inlet from ambient by virtue of a pressure gradient caused by rotation of the compressor. During rotation of the vehicle's wheels, air is directed into the compressor (12) through a first opening and displacement of air from the compressor results in displacement of air from the first opening to a second opening. The second opening is in air communication through the air flow path (22) with the storage tank (14).

When the driver of the vehicle is applying the brakes or decelerating, the air compressor (12) starts up and air is compressed and directed to the pressurized air tank (14), where it is stored. Pressurized air from the storage tank (14) may be used later to recharge the battery (18), for example, when the motor is off.

During acceleration, the battery (18) may also be charged by energy from the pressurized air storage tank (14) via the alternator (16) along the flow path.

In an alternative embodiment, compressed air may be transferred directly from the compressor (12) to the alternator (16). This situation may occur if the battery is insufficiently charged and the instantaneous power of compressed air from the air compressor is sufficient to charge the battery during motion of the vehicle. When the control unit detects that excess compressed air is generated by the compressor (12), any power which is not required instantaneously is fed to the storage tank (14).

The battery (18) may also be charged by connecting it to an external electrical power source. Thus, the battery (18) of an electric vehicle comprising the power generation system (10) of the present invention can be powered by on-board air energy as well as electrical energy from an electrical outlet.

The power generating system (10) of the present invention enables the battery (18) to be charged when the vehicle is at rest and to automatically charge the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. Therefore, long road trips will not be a problem since the system (10) may charge while the vehicle drives, charging the battery (18) and supplying energy to the motor.

The energy required to compress the air used to power the alternator (16) and charge the battery (18) is obtained from the driveshaft and so will not result in a carbon footprint, that is, CO2 emissions. Therefore, the pure electric vehicle of the present invention produces zero CO2emissions and is capable of travelling an unlimited amount S of mileage without the need to stop at a service station. Furthermore, the storage tank (14) will be full of compressed air at the end of a journey and can be used to operate the alternator (16) to provide electrical energy to the battery (18) and thereby charge the battery when the vehicle motor is turned off.

It will be appreciated that the system of the present invention is typically suited for use with electric motors for road vehicles, although the present invention can be applied to other applications in which there is a drive shaft connected to an electric motor.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to presently preferred embodiments, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A power generation system for a vehicle comprising an electric motor and a battery, the system comprising: an air compressor, at least one storage reservoir for compressed air, and an alternator, connected together in air flow communication with each other by an air flow path, wherein the air compressor is mechanically coupled to a driveshaft such that deceleration or braking of the vehicle generates a force to the compressor which force compresses air in the compressor, and wherein compressed air is directed out of the compressor to the storage reservoir or to the alternator in air flow communication with the compressor through the air flow path, and means to control the release of compressed air from the storage reservoir to the alternator in air flow communication therewith through the air flow path, wherein the alternator is adapted to generate electrical power upon introduction of compressed air for charging the battery during power generation.
2. A power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the air compressor, the at least one storage reservoir and the alternator are connected in air flow communication with each other in sequence.
3. A power generation system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means to control the release of compressed air from the storage reservoir to the alternator is a valve.
4. A power generation system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control unit for controlling the supply of electrical power to the battery.
5. A power generation system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit comprises a sensor for detecting the charge of the battery and causes electrical power to be supplied to the battery when the battery is detected to be insufficiently charged.
6. A power generation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one storage reservoir is removable and replaceable.
7. A power generation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressor is in air communication with ambient environment through a first opening and in air communication with the air flow path through a second opening, optionally whererin upon deceleration or braking of the rotation of the wheel, air is directed into the compressor through the first opening upon displacement of air from the compressor into the air flow path through the second opening.
8. A vehicle, comprising: a battery and an electric motor electrically coupled together, the vehicle further comprising a power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. A method for generating power to an electric motor of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a battery electrically coupled to the electric motor, the method comprising: providing a power generation system, according to any one of claims 1 to 7; generating a mechanical force to the compressor which compresses air in the compressor; feeding compressed air displaced from the compressor to the storage reservoir or to the alternator in air flow communication with the compressor through the air flow path; controlling release of compressed air from the storage reservoir to the alternator; whereby upon flow of compressed air to the alternator electrical power is generated by the alternator to charge the battery for providing power to the motor.
10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the mechanical force is generated to the compressor by deceleration or breaking of the vehicle.
11. A method according to claim 9 or claim 10, comprising controlling the release of compressed air from the storage reservoir to the alternator by opening or closing a valve at the air outlet of the reservoir.
12. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising releasing compressed air from the storage reservoir to the alternator to charge the battery when the vehicle motor is turned off.